Complete mesocolic excision (CME): a 'novel' concept?

摘要

Editor, I read the recent publication on surgical management for gastric cancer patients with COPD by Chang et al. [1] with a great interest. Chang et al. [1] concluded that "Laparoscopic gastrectomy can be performed safely for patients with gastric cancer and COPD in stage I and II." It is no doubt that either laparoscopic or open gastrectomy approach can provide similar clinical outcome [2-4]. However, there are more concerns for judging the method for the patients. At least, the cost effectiveness and cost utility data of each method have to be clarified. In addition, the availability of the technique, the complex of preoperative preparation, the necessity for operative process as well as the long time complication comparing between the two techniques have to systematically assessed. Indeed, Huscher et al. [2] noted that "Additional benefits for the laparoscopic gastrectomy can were reduced blood loss, shorter time to resumption of oral intake, and earlier discharge from hospital."